Looking back, a power cut at school always brought a rush of excitement. For one thing, it meant prep night was officially over. It also meant anyone could engage in a bit of illicit behavior undetected—like slipping out of bounds for a sip of alcohol under the cover of darkness!

It is no wonder that criminals and wrongdoers across the world prefer operating at night to carry out their missions. They are far more comfortable attacking homes under the shroud of night than during broad daylight, when it is easy to spot a suspect and trace their movements. For them, darkness is a protective shield. Yet, Scripture reminds us: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, NLT). This is a truth all believers must hold onto. If we see deep moral darkness in our workplaces or our nation, it may simply be because the children of light have stopped shining. Because believers carry this light, they are not always welcome in places where darkness rules; as children of light, their very presence exposes and outshines that darkness.

Naturally, darkness hates the light. Those who engage in evil practices prefer the cover of night. And if the world ever becomes entirely comfortable with the children of light, something is wrong. It often means believers have hidden their radiance, allowing the surrounding darkness to overwhelm them.

Light is a beautiful thing. It lifts the spirit of everyone except those with a dark agenda. Light brings security by illuminating a clear path forward. Therefore, as a child of God today boldly set out and carry that pleasant, divine light within you, without fear, wherever you go!